A significant measles outbreak in northwest Texas has reached 90 confirmed cases, with 32 new cases reported since Tuesday and 16 patients requiring hospitalization. The outbreak, which began in late January, has primarily affected unvaccinated individuals.

Health officials are concerned about potentially undetected cases, with Katherine Wells, public health director in Lubbock, Texas, noting that some parents may be keeping sick children at home rather than seeking medical attention.

The geographic distribution of cases shows a concentrated impact: Gaines County leads with 57 cases, followed by Terry County (20), Dawson County (6), Yoakum County (4), and single cases in Ector, Lubbock, and Lynn counties.

The virus is predominantly affecting young people, with 26 cases in children under 4 years old and 51 cases among those aged 5 to 17. Only five cases have been reported among vaccinated individuals.

Gaines County, which has a large Mennonite population, reported one of Texas' highest vaccine exemption rates at nearly 20% for the 2023-24 school year. 'Some people who were on the fence, who thought measles wasn't something their kids would see, are recalculating and coming forward for vaccination,' Wells said.

The CDC emphasizes that measles is highly contagious, capable of spreading through the air and remaining viable for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. The virus can infect up to 90% of unprotected individuals who come into contact with an infected person.

Public health officials are responding with multiple interventions: operating mobile testing units, providing prophylactic treatment for exposed infants, advising day care centers, and educating school nurses about disease recognition.